Adult Oncology Social Wrkr Oncology Full time

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Completes social history, psychological assessment with each patient and activity, and participates in the interdisciplinary care plan and
team meetings. Assists patients and families with personal, economic and environmental difficulties. Assesses and assists patient and
families with available community resources. Utilizes expertise and problem solving skills to achieve optimal clinical outcomes within
effective resources and timeframe.

Responsibilities:

• Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team and attends interdisciplinary care conferences, multi-disciplinary care clinics, tumor
  boards and Oncology grand rounds regularly.
• Demonstrates patient advocacy role through communication and documentation.
• Identifies, assesses and responds to patient and family needs in the Loyola Cancer Care and Research Center and CDH Infusion Center,
  incorporating psychological, cultural and spiritual needs. Emphasis is placed on addressing the social and emotional needs of the patient and
  family that may impact the patient's response to medical treatment. These needs may include, but are not limited to, adjustment to illness, poor or
  limited coping abilities, functional impairment, mental illness, guardianship issues, compliance, need for additional resources due to limited
  funds available, cultural differences, death, bereavement, welfare, including abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
• Maintains patient and family educational activities and support groups.
• Provides timely and effective interventions for patients and families in emergency and crisis, including referrals to appropriate support services.
• Educates team members regarding the socio-economic, emotional and cultural issues that impact the care delivery, coping skills and response to
  treatment.
• Provides staff emotional support and education on coping skills as they handle emotional patient care activities.
• Assists with the planning, implementation and follow up for Oncology Services Outreach activities. Serves as the community Outreach
  Coordinator on the CDH Cancer Committee.
• Serves as a lead resource and assists with referrals in coordinating charity, financial resources, community support services such as American
  Cancer Society, Livingwell, Gilda's Club, Wellness House etc.
• Documents in clinical record appropriate interventions and plans for ongoing services.
• Assists patient/family with adjustment to illness and medical environment as evidenced by clinical documentation.
• Documents all referrals and clinical interventions related to their cancer care within clinical record in appropriate time frame.
• Provides daily documentation of education and evidence of team work in patient record.
• Documents patient's and/or family's understanding of barriers related to appropriate care and transition planning as evidenced through clinical
  record documentation.
• Seeks information and understands impact of clinical data. Demonstrates same by documentation and family/patient understanding and response
  to clinical information.
• Identifies and facilitates education of patients and families on end of life issues and community resources.
• Attends inservices/conferences to enhance professional development and to maintain Illinois licensure.
• Remains current with respect to regulations and ensures compliance. Maintains familiarity with drug reimbursement plans.

Minimum Requirements: 

Education: 

• MSW 

Licensure: 

• LSW 

• Must have and maintain active and current state of Illinois License 

Experience:  

• 2 to 3 years experience in medical social work role in an acute hospital setting or agency. 

• Must have prior experience in Oncology. 

Preferred:

• 5 years oncology experience.
• ACSW (Academy of Certified Social
  Workers) Preferred.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.